The Society for the Environment has continued its work ensuring that ‘Brexit’ is a success for the people of the United Kingdom and our environment. This work was recognised in a recently published report by the House of Lords European Union Committee, ‘Brexit: environment and climate change’.

The report highlighted the desire of the Society to work with Government in finding ways to ensure that environmental protections were maintained and strengthened following exiting the Union, including continuation of working links with European environmental professionals outside of the European Union. The Society has written extensively to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Exiting the European Union offering their support.

Dr Emma Wilcox, Chief Executive of the Society, said, “Civil Society Organisations and Learned Societies not only have access to a large breadth of knowledge and expertise, but also to multinational networks. We are part of the Europe wide European Network of Environmental Professionals, allowing us to collaborate with professionals working across Europe, and we are currently mapping the relationships our 24 professional member bodies have with organisations in Europe to see where further opportunities exist. We intend to maintain, and strengthen, ties with the European community of environmental professionals and we offer British government use of these links.”

“Environmental issues do not recognise boundaries or political treaties and the UK will continue to share common environmental challenges with our European neighbours. There is much to be learned and gained from working closely with partners across Europe, even outside of the European Union. We are keen to see a continuation of this.”

Dr Peter Matthews, Chair of the Society and former Chair of Natural Resources Wales, said, “For the last 40 years, the UK has shared wisdom with Continental colleagues in pursuit of better environmental standards across Europe. The Society will continue maintain our European contacts. We urge the Governments of the UK to also continue conversing with their colleagues from across the EU and striving for the betterment of Environmental standards and we are more than willing to help facilitate this work.”

The Society for the Environment will be hosting the European Network of Environmental Professionals General Assembly in Cardiff in April, bringing together delegates from eleven countries across Europe. This is following further work the Society has done with the network, including participating in a meeting with William Neale, Member of Cabinet to Karmenu Veila, the European Commissioner for Environment and Maritime Affairs.